Nikko’s Kegon Waterfalls
From the parking lot at the top, the view of the falls was totally obstructed by the haze of humid, rainy air. However, I trusted the process of this journey. An elevator ride down and a short tunnel walk later, and the real majesty of this scenic location came into focus. The true lower viewing point was lush, with cliff walls made up of beautiful rock formations, well worth the trip to experience one of Nikko’s main attractions.
Waterfalls are less common, at least in the parts of the United States that I’ve had the privilege of visiting. Combine a single tributary path with a few elevated lakes, fed by mountain ranges, and you get the recipe for a lovely outpouring that cascades freely into the valley. The more secluded and untouched, the better. The tourism organization or whoever decided that an elevator through the solid hillside was a genius in this regard, plopping the viewer into the elements without extra staircases and other human engineering that would otherwise distract from this place. If you can find the time to escape Tokyo’s hustle and bustle for an overnight trip, this area within Nikko should be among your list of options.
Shot on October 5, 2024 - Travel, Japan